Love bites
Valentine’s Day 2.0 in Ottawa is a great excuse to treat yourself or a loved-one to a delicious meal. Some of the city’s restaurants and food retailers may even feature special deals and packages for the occasion. See what your favourite foodie spot is offering, or get inspired with our list of member restaurants, as well as suggestions for international cuisine, vegetarian and vegan fare, as well as Halal food options in Ottawa.
Spa Mecca
Plan a relaxing or romantic outing at local spas, two of which are indoor-outdoor oases just a short drive north of downtown Ottawa. Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea, Québec is the largest spa of its kind in North America, offering Scandinavian-inspired facilities such as cold and warm pools, hot tubs, saunas, massages, treatments and multiple dining options. Kōena Spa, located closer to Ottawa within the city of Gatineau, Québec, offers similar Nordic-style thermal experiences, but on a smaller scale and with a Hawaiian flair. Or get pampered at classic urban locations including Holtz Spa in downtown Ottawa, Renu Massage Therapy and Spa (multiple locations), or Au Naturel Spa at the Brookstreet hotel in the west-end suburb of Kanata.
Showtime
Go out on the town for some live entertainment including music, dance, theatre, comedy and more. On evenings from March 11 to 13, you can see large-scale, interactive light-based art and sound installations along Bank Street between Slater and Cooper Streets during the free Fire & Ice Winter Exhibit. You can also enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood on various dates in March (advanced reservations recommended).
Plus, a variety of programming is always offered by the National Arts Centre, Music & Beyond, TD Ottawa Jazz Festival, Ottawa Chamberfest, Casino Lac-Leamy Theatre, Canadian Tire Centre, TD Place, Nouvelle Scène and Yuk Yuk’s Ottawa. To stay informed on live music events at local bars, pubs and venues, follow Live Music Lovers Ottawa.
Tasty treats
Chocoholics love the truffles, bombs, and specialty items from Stubbe Chocolates, the beautiful creations from Alicja Confections, as well as the personalized ChocoSelfie fondue in a can from Canadian chain Chocolats Favoris. Enjoy afternoon tea boxes from Quelque Chose Patisserie (known for their macarons) and Vanitea Room (known for vegan options). Get bite-sized baked goods from the Cupcake Lounge and Red Door Provisions, cute cookies from Aux Délices Bakery and Moulin de Provence, fancy doughnuts from SuzyQ and Mavericks Donuts, as well as decadent desserts from Mantovani 1946 and Stella Luna. Shops like Thyme & Again and Chez François – Plaisirs de Provence also have foodie finds of all kinds.
Perfect gifts
Treat that special someone and the community at the same time by shopping local. Maker House has lots of all-Canadian options, including gift boxes that range from funny to romantic. Shops like Boogie + Birdie and Kindred Shop and Studio carry Canadian-made jewelry, housewares and other lovely gift items for everyone—even pets! Browse the Ottawa Artisans website for handmade creations, some of which can be personalized and customized, as well as the online Indigenous Marketplace or in-person boutique at Madahoki Farm for Indigenous-made items of all kinds.
Wild romance
Get up close and personal with each other—and with beautiful animals. Park Omega in Montebello, Québec has multiple options: take a Canadian-style, self-driven safari to view wildlife such as bears, wolves and elk; cuddle up during a dog-sledding experience; or stay overnight in a cozy cabin overlooking the wolf den. At the exotic animal rescue Little Ray’s Nature Centre, you can see mammals, invertebrates and birds on a private zoo tour, and even reserve an unforgettable VIP sloth encounter. Visit Captiva Farms near Wakefield, Québec for magical horseback riding experiences on snowy winter trails. And cat fans love cuddling furry friends at the Feline Cafe in the Hintonburg area of Ottawa’s Wellington West neighbourhood.
Outdoor fun
Get the endorphins flowing by getting some fresh air within the city or in the nearby countryside. . It’s maple season, so get sweet with each other at a sugar shack. If the snow is disappearing, go for an invigorating walk or hike. If it’s not quite spring-like yet, fun winter activities like tobogganing, hiking and ziplining can help you reconnect with your inner child, while snowshoeing, cross-country skiing as well as downhill skiing and snowboarding are a great way to get your heart pumping before getting cozy. Ice skating is quite romantic in the evening (see if the refrigerated ice rinks or forest trails are still open). Prefer a motorized option? Hold on to each other tightly as you zoom on the many snowmobiling trails in the region.
Learn together
Create a deeper connection by learning new skills together, in person or virtually. Cooking classes are fun and easy with professional chefs at C’est Bon Ottawa and Urban Element. Themed options include couples classes, Indigenous cuisine and chocolate desserts—online classes even include the delivery of ingredients! Work off some calories by taking online dance classes with studios such as Arthur Murray, Dance with Alana, Broadway Workout and Moov Ottawa. Plant lovers would appreciate Flowers Talk Tivoli’s Zen floral workshops. And culture vultures are always up for seeing what’s on at Ottawa’s many museums.
